Device for storing and displaying wigs

ABSTRACT

A wig case that supports and displays multiple wigs includes a container that is defined by a first portion and a second portion that are pivotably connected to one another. The first portion and the second portion of the container cooperate with one another to define a cavity shaped to accommodate multiple wigs. Each of a plurality of wig supports extends from each of the first portion and the second portion of the container. The wig supports associated with each of the respective portions of the container extend beyond a perimeter of the respective portion of the container and are staggered relative to one another so as to not interfere with the wig supports associated with the other portion of the container when the container is in a closed orientation.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to wig storage devices and, more specifically, to a device for storing, displaying, and transporting multiple wigs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A wig is commonly understood as an arrangement of natural or synthetic hair that is worn on a person's head to change a person's appearance and/or mask appearance issues such as the thinning or loss of hair. Many medical treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, etc., can also lead to hair loss or cutting of a person's hair beyond desired lengths. Still others simply prefer to wear wigs for fashion, aesthetic or stylistic appearance, religious, cultural, or entertainment purposes or reasons.

Regardless of the purpose, proper care and storage of a wig can enhance the usable life of the wig and can shorten preparation time associated with placing and styling the hair of a given wig. Many prior art devices include a container or enclosure that is shaped to receive a wig and support the wig in an in-use orientation to avoid crushing or undesirably compressing the wig. Some such devices are constructed to support a single wig in a generally upright orientation but only open from a top facing direction to maintain the desired orientation of the wig relative to a wig support. Unfortunately, manipulation of multiple such devices can be awkward to handle, allow transport of commonly only one wig in a non-damaging orientation, and are ill-suited to ready identification of a wig contained therein. Although providing a larger container would alleviate some of the issues associated with transporting multiple wigs, simply enlarging the container complicates transport of the device due to the enlarged footprint associated with containers that have been modified in such a manner.

Many prior art devices are also ill-suited to visual inspection of the contents associated therewith. The upward directed opening, of many such devices limits the ability of the user to leave such devices in an open configuration without considerable space being available to accommodate the removal of a cover or lid associated with exposing the contents of the container. Commonly, persons having multiple wigs, have multiple containers that each support a single wig but are stacked in a mariner that limits ready access and inspection of more than one of the hair pieces or wigs contained therein.

There is therefore a need for a wig storage system that can accommodate multiple wigs and does so in a manner that protects the appearance of each wig. There is a further need for a multiple wig storage device that can quickly and conveniently convert between transport or storage and use configurations of the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a wig case that overcomes one or more of the drawbacks discussed above. One aspect of the invention discloses a wig case that supports and displays multiple wigs. The wig case includes a container that is defined by respective portions or halves that are pivotably connected to one another. The first portion and the second portion of the container cooperate with one another to define a cavity shaped to accommodate multiple wigs. Each of a plurality of wig supports extends from each of the first portion and the second portion of the container. The wig supports associated with each of the respective portions of the container extend beyond a perimeter of the respective portion of the container and are staggered relative to one another so as to not interfere with the wig supports associated with the other portion of the container when the container is in a closed orientation. The wig case of the present invention provides a wig storage, transport, and display device that can be conveniently configured for the various uses and supports a plurality of wigs in a configuration that protects the quality or condition of the wigs contained therein.

Another aspect of the invention discloses a wig case having a container that is defined by a first portion and a second portion that are pivotably connected to one another. Each of the first portion and the second portion of the container are shaped to define a cavity. A plurality of wig supports extend from each of the first portion and the second portion of the container such that discrete positions of the plurality of wig supports supported by the first portion of the container are staggered relative to discrete positions of the plurality of wig supports supported by the second portion of the container. The wig case includes a pivot axis that extends in a direction that is aligned with an in-use orientation of the plurality of wig supports and which allows rotation of the first portion of the container and the second portion of the container relative to one another.

A further aspect of the invention usable with one or more of the above aspects discloses a wig container having a first side portion and a second side portion. Each side portion is defined by a side panel and an edge wall that extends in a crossing direction relative to a respective side panel. A hinge is connected to each edge wall of each side portion and defines a pivot axis between the first side portion and the second side portion. The wig container includes a clasp assembly having a first portion that is connected to the edge wall of the first side panel and a second portion connected to the edge wall of the second side panel. A first set of wig supports extend from the side panel of the first side portion toward the side panel of the second side portion and a second set of wig supports extend from the side panel of the second side portion toward the side panel of the first side portion. The first set of wig supports and the second set of wig supports are staggered so that discrete wig supports associated with the first set of wig supports are offset from each discrete wig support associated with the second set of wig supports when the first and second portions of the clasp assembly are engaged with one another so as to close the wig container.

Another aspect of the present invention combinable with one or more of the above features or aspects discloses a method of funning a wig case. First and second side portions are provided and shaped to cooperate with one another to enclose a cavity wherein each of the first side portion and the second side portion define a respective portion of the cavity. The first and second side portions are pivotably connected to one another so that the first side portion and the second side portion can rotate relative to one another to expose the respective portions of the cavity and isolate the cavity from atmosphere. A plurality wig supports are provided and are supported by one of the first side portion and the second side portion. The plurality of wig supports are oriented relative to one another so that more than one of the plurality of wig supports are supported by each of the first side portion and the second side portion and wig supports supported by the first side portion are staggered relative to wig supports supported by the second side portion.

Another aspect of the invention that is combinable with one or more of the above aspects discloses a handle that is connected to an upward facing side of the container or one of the first and second side portions. The handle is oriented to facilitate carried transport of the wig case in an orientation that maintains an upright orientation of the plurality of wig supports to maintain cooperation of respective wigs therewith. A further aspect of the invention combinable with one or more of the above aspects discloses orienting the various wig supports attached to the container so that the wig supports, and wigs associated therewith, are staggered or offset from one another to reduce interference between the various wigs and wig supports when the wig case is closed. Another aspect of the invention discloses that the wig case or container can attain in-use orientations between orientations wherein the respective side portions are longitudinally aligned with one another and oriented at crossing directions relative to one another, such as at right angles, so that the wig case can be supported by a planar wall, hung upon a door, set upon a support surface, or located in a corner when in an in-use or display position exposing wigs disposed with the case or container.

These and various other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate a preferred embodiment presently contemplated of carrying out the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an inside of a wig case according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 of an atmosphere facing side of the wig case shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the wig case shown in FIG. 1 with the wig case in a closed orientation;

FIG. 4 is a top side plan view of the wig case shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a plan cross-section view of the wig case taken along line 5-5 shown in FIG. 4; and

FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective views of exemplary environments associated with the use the wig case shown in FIG. 1.

In describing the preferred embodiments of the invention that are illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the word “connected,” “attached,” or terms similar thereto are often used. They are not limited to direct connection but include connection through other elements or the integral formation of the connected elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalent by those skilled in the art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 shows a wig container or wig case 20 according to the present invention and in an open configuration or a configuration wherein a user is allowed access to the contents of wig case 20. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, wig case 20 includes a first side portion 22 and a second side portion 24 that are pivotably connected to one another so as to be movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration in the manners disclosed further below. Each side portion 22, 24 of wig case 20 is defined by a generally planar side panel 26, 28 and an edge wall 30, 32 that extends generally about a perimeter of the respective side panel 26, 28. Although a generally square or rectilinear shape is shown, it is appreciated that wig case 20 can be provided in other shapes to satisfy the objectives below although a fully circular shape is envisioned to most likely be least preferred although a somewhat circular but with flat bottom surface could be suitable.

Regardless of the specific shape of wig case 20, each sidewall 26, 28 includes an interior facing surface 34, 35 and an exterior facing surface 38, 40. Each edge wall 30 32 includes a pair of vertically oriented sides 42, 44; and 43, 45; a respective bottom side 46, 48; and a respective top side 50, 52. Edge walls 22, 24 extend in crossing directions relative to the corresponding side panel 26, 28 to define a depth of a recess or cavity 54, 56 of the respective side portion 22, 24 of wig case 20. Each edge wall 30, 32 includes a first end 56, 58 and a second end 60, 62 that are disposed at the opposite lateral ends of each wall. The first end 56, 58 of each edge wall 30, 32 has a cantilevered orientation relative to the respective side panel 26, 28 and is constructed to abut or otherwise cooperate with the first end 56, 58 of the other edge wall 30, 32 when wig case 20 is closed. The second ends 60, 62 of each edge wall 30, 32 are disposed proximate a respective side panel 34, 36 of the respective side portion 22, 24 of wig case 20. It is appreciated that side panels 26, 28 and edge walls 22, 24 could be constructed of virtually any desired material including wood, metal, and plastic materials.

Wig case 20 includes a clasp assembly 66 (FIG. 6) having a first portion 68 and a second portion 70 that are attached to respective vertical sides 42, 43 of side portions 22, 24 of wig case 20. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, first and second portions 68, 70 of clasp assembly 66 are selectively engageable with one another to allow opening and closing of wig case 20 and the selective securing of the side portions 22, 24 relative to one another when in the closed orientation. When in the closed orientation, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, clasp assembly 66 prevents the outward radial translation, indicated by arrows 71, 73, of side portions 22, 24 relative to one another as disclosed further below with respect to FIG. 2. It is appreciated that clasp assembly 66 could be provided in a number of configurations or constructions that allow the selective securing together of the side portions 22, 24 of wig case 20 and selective access thereto.

Referring back to FIG. 2, wig case 20 includes a pivot, such as a hinge 74, that is secured to vertical sides 44, 45 of wig case 20. Hinge 74 defines a pivot axis, indicated by line 78, which allows rotation of the first side portion 22 relative to second side portion 24 of wig case 20 in directions 71, 73. As explained further below, axis 78 is generally vertically oriented relative to wig case 20 so as to maintain a desired vertical orientation of wig case 20 whether being used for storage, display, or transport. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, wig case 20 includes a first handle 80 and a second handle 82 that are attached to respective top sides 50, 52 of edge walls 30, 32 of first and second side portions 22, 24 of wig case 20. Preferably, each handle 80, 82 is pivotably connected to a respective side portion 22, 24 of wig case 20 so as to be collapsible relative thereto. Handles 80, 82 also designate a desired orientation of wig case 20 so as to be grasped by a user. It is further appreciated that wig case 20 could be provided with a single handle secured to one of first and second side portions 22, 24.

Referring again to FIG. 1, wig case 20 includes a plurality of wig supports 90 that extend from interior facing, sides 34, 36 of respective side panels 26, 28 of respective side portions 22, 24 of wig case 20. Each wig support 90 includes an arm or stem 92 that has a first end 94 that is connected or otherwise secured to a respective side panel 26, 28 and a second end 96 having a wig mount 98 attached thereto. As shown in FIG. 1, each wig support 90 is oriented such that each respective wig mount 98 is oriented in an upward facing direction, indicated by arrow 100, or a direction that faces toward handles 80, 82, and is generally aligned with axis 78 defined by hinge 74. Wig mounts 98 preferably have a somewhat planar curved upward facing shape to limit adverse or damaging interaction with wigs disposed thereon.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the wig supports are provided in alternate sets of discrete wig supports 90 wherein one set of wig supports is associated with first side portions 22 and a second set of wig supports are associated with second side portion 24 of wig case 20. The discrete wig supports 90 associated with the multiple sets of wig supports are oriented in multiple rows 102, 104 and vertical columns such that the discrete wig supports 90 associated with a respective horizontal rows 102, 104 of each respective side portion 22, 24 are not aligned with, or are staggered relative to, adjacent wig supports associated with either the first or second side portion 22, 24 of wig case 20. As explained further below with respect to FIG. 5, the staggered orientation of wig supports 90, relative to rows 102, 104 and the vertical columns associated therewith, allow the wig supports 90 associated with one of side portions 22, 24 to mesh with, but not interfere with, the wig supports 90 associated with the other side portion 22, 24. Such a construction allows wig case 20 to support multiple wigs in a usable orientation wherein the wigs are not damaged or otherwise crushed by cooperation or interference with other wig supports 90 and/or other structure associated with the respective side panels 26, 28 and/or edge walls 30, 32 of the alternate side portion 22, 24.

As shown in FIG. 5, when in the closed orientation, wig supports 90 associated with first and second side portions 22, 24 are staggered in rows 102, 104 (indicated from FIG. 1) and columns, as indicated by arrows 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, as shown in. FIG. 5, such that each wig support 90 is in close but non-interfering proximity to other wig supports 90. When closed, ends 56, 58 of edge walls 22, 24 abut one another such that the space or cavity 54, 56 associated with each respective side portion 22, 24 cooperate with one another to define a total volume 124 of the cavity defined by wig case 20. Each wig support 90 is offset from other wigs supports 90, the interior facing side 34, 36 of side panels 26, 28 and edge walls 30, 32 so as to be in spaced proximity relative to the interior surface of wig case 20 as well as other wig supports 90. Such a construction mitigates interference between wigs, aside from incidental contact between respective wigs, with each other and the adjacent structures of wig case 20 thereby maintaining the integrity of the appearance of the respective wigs.

It should be appreciated that the orientations of first side portion 22 relative to second side portion 24 of wig case 20 as shown in FIGS. 3-5 facilitates storage and transport of wig case 20 in a manner that protects and isolates the wigs disposed therein from atmosphere. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, wig case 20 can achieve multiple orientations that allow access to any wigs disposed therein. In one orientation 130, as shown in FIG. 6, first and second side portions 22, 24 of wig case 20 can be oriented at crossing orientations relative to one another so as to be disposed or hung, via a hanger or post 134, in a corner 136 or the like. Referring to FIG. 7, first and second side portions 22, 24 can achieve a more planar orientation relative to one another so as to be hung upon a planar structural wall or upon the back of the door 140. It is further appreciated that other modalities could be used to secure or otherwise support wig case 20 in a desired orientation such as for example, passing a number of screws or other fasteners through side panels 26, 28 and into engagement with a supporting, structure. It is further appreciated that wig case 20 can be supported upon a bureau, dresser, or like when first and second side portions 22, 24 are positioned at any orientation relative to one another between the fully open planar orientation shown in FIG. 7 to the closed orientation as shown in FIGS. 3-5.

It is further appreciated that although wig case 20 could be provided with other orientations and numbers of wig supports than the two rows and five columns of discrete wig supports 90 as shown in the figures. That is, it is appreciated that wig case 20 could be provided with other numbers and arrangements of wig supports wherein the wig supports are provided in a staggered or offset orientation, whether relative to the same or the alternate side portion of the wig case. Preferably, the wig case is provided with an orientation of the wig supports wherein the wig supports are oriented so as to not overly interfere with each other or the internal facing structure of the wig case to reduce damage to any of wigs disposed therein.

Therefore, one embodiment of the invention includes a wig case having a container that is defined by a first portion and a second portion that are pivotably connected to one another. Each of the first portion and the second portion of the container are shaped to define a cavity. A plurality of wig supports extend from each of the first portion and the second portion of the container such that discrete positions of the plurality of wig supports supported by the first portion of the container are staggered relative to discrete positions of the plurality of wig supports supported by the second portion of the container. The wig case includes a pivot axis that extends in a direction that is aligned with an in-use orientation of the plurality of wig supports and which allows rotation of the first portion of the container and the second portion of the container relative to one another.

Another embodiment of the invention combinable with one or more of the above embodiments includes a wig container having a first side portion and a second side portion. Each side portion is defined by a side panel and an edge wall that extends in a crossing direction relative to a respective side panel. A hinge is connected to each edge wall of each side portion and defines a pivot axis between the first side portion and the second side portion. The wig container includes a clasp assembly includes a first portion that is connected to the edge wall of the first side panel and a second portion connected to the edge wall of the second side panel. A first set of wig supports extend from the side panel of the first side portion toward the side panel of the second side portion. A second set of wig supports extend from the side panel of the second side portion toward the side panel of the first side portion. The first set of wig supports and the second set of wig supports are staggered so that discrete wig supports associated with the first set of wig supports are offset from each discrete wig support associated with the second set of wig supports when the first and second portions of the clasp assembly are engaged with one another so as to close the wig container.

Another embodiment of the invention that is combinable with the above embodiments includes a method of forming a wig case. First and second side portions are provided and shaped to cooperate with one another to enclose a cavity wherein each of the first side portion and the second side portion define a respective portion of the cavity. The first and, second side portions are pivotably connected to one another so that the first side portion and the second side portion can rotate relative to one another to expose the respective portions of the cavity and isolate the cavity from atmosphere. A plurality wig supports are provided and are supported by one of the first side portion and the second side portion. The plurality of wig supports are oriented relative to one another so that more than one of the plurality of wig supports are supported by each of the first side portion and the second side portion and wig supports supported by the first side portion are staggered relative to wig supports supported by the second side portion.

The present invention has been described above in terms of the preferred embodiments. Many changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit thereof and are within the scope of the appending claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A wig case comprising: a container defined by a first portion and a second portion that are pivotably connected to one another, each of the first portion and the second portion of the container shaped to define a cavity; a plurality of wig supports extending from each of the first portion and the second portion of the container such that discrete positions of the plurality of wig supports supported by the first portion of the container are staggered relative to discrete positions of the plurality of wig supports supported by the second portion of the container; and a pivot axis that extends in a direction that is aligned with an in-use orientation of the plurality of wig supports and which allows rotation of the first portion of the container and the second portion of the container relative to one another.
 2. The wig case of claim 1 further comprising a latch assembly having an operator attached to one of the first portion and the second portion of the container and a catch attached to the other of the first portion and the second portion such that the operator and catch can removably cooperate with one another.
 3. The wig case of claim 2 wherein the latch assembly is connected to a vertical side of the container.
 4. The wig case of claim 3 further comprising a handle attached to a top side of the container.
 5. The wig case of claim 1 wherein, the plurality of wig supports associated with each of the first portion and the second portion of the container are oriented in a first row and a second row.
 6. The wig case of claim 1 wherein the first row of wig supports of the first portion of the container includes the same number of wig supports as the second row of wig supports of the second portion of the container and the first row of wig supports of the second portion of the container includes the same number of wig supports as the second row of wig supports of the first portion of the container.
 7. The wig case of claim 1 wherein the first portion and the second portion of the container have shapes that are mirror images of one another.
 8. A wig container comprising: a first side portion and a second side portion, each side portion being defined by a side panel and an edge wall that extends in a crossing direction relative to a respective side panel; a hinge connected to each edge wall of each side portion, the hinge defining a pivot axis between the first side portion and the second side portion; a clasp assembly having a first portion connected to the edge wall of the first side panel and a second portion connected to the edge wall of the second side panel; a first set of wig supports extending from the side panel of the first side portion toward the side panel of the second side portion; and a second set of wig supports extending from the side panel of the second side portion toward the side panel of the first side portion, the first set of wig supports and the second set of wig supports being staggered so that wig supports of the first set of wig supports are offset from wig supports of the second set of wig supports when the first and second portions of the clasp assembly are engaged with one another.
 9. The wig container of claim 8 wherein an end of each edge wall that is opposite the side panel of the respective first side portion and the second side portion abuts the end of the edge wall of the other of the first side portion and the second side portion when the clasp assembly is closed.
 10. The wig container of claim 8 further comprising a handle that extends from a top facing side of the edge wall of at least one of the first side portion and the second side portion.
 11. The wig container of claim 8 wherein a sum of a number of the first set of wig supports and the second set of wig supports is at least three.
 12. The wig container of claim 8 wherein each wig support includes a stem portion having a first end connected to a side panel and a second end having a wig pad connected thereto.
 13. The wig container of claim 8 wherein the hinge and the clasp are oriented on opposite vertical sides of the first side portion and the second side portion.
 14. The wig container of claim 8 wherein the first set of wig supports and the second set of wig supports are each oriented in a first row of wig supports and a second row of wig supports wherein the first row of wig supports and the second row of wig supports associated with a respective one of the first set of wig supports and the second set of wig supports include different numbers of wig supports.
 15. A method of forming a wig case, the method comprising: providing a first side portion and a second side portion that are shaped to cooperate with one another to enclose a cavity wherein each of the first side portion and the second side portion define a respective portion of the cavity; pivotably connecting the first side portion and the second side portion to one another so that the first side portion and the second side portion can rotate relative to one another to expose the respective portions of the cavity and isolate the cavity from atmosphere; providing a plurality wig supports that are supported by one of the first side portion and the second side portion; and orienting the plurality of wig supports relative to one another so that more than one of the plurality of wig supports are supported by each of the first side portion and the second side portion and wig supports supported by the first side portion are staggered relative to wig supports supported by the second side portion.
 16. The method of claim 15 further comprising orienting wig supports supported by a respective one of the first side portion and the second side portion to extend into the respective portion of the cavity associated with the other of the first side portion and the second side portion when the first side portion and the second side portion are oriented to enclose the cavity.
 17. The method of claim 16 further comprising providing a latch assembly having a first portion attached to the first side portion and a second portion attached to the second side portion.
 18. The method of claim 17 further comprising attaching the latch assembly to a side of the first side portion and the second side portion that is opposite an axis defined by the pivotable connection between the first side portion and the second side portion.
 19. The method of claim 18 further comprising attaching a handle to at least one of the first side portion and the second side portion at a position between the latch assembly and the axis.
 20. The method of claim 15 further comprising orienting the plurality of wig supports associated with each of the first side portion and the second side portion in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns wherein at least one wig support associated with the first side portion and at least one wig support associated with the second side portion defines each column. 